Boundary disputes are among the most common—and most disruptive—neighbour issues. They can affect your ability to build, sell, buy, refinance, or simply enjoy your home. What makes them particularly difficult is that boundaries involve a mix of documents, physical features, history, and emotion. One neighbour points to the fence, the other points to a title plan, and both feel certain.
The best approach is always to prevent boundary problems before they start. But if a dispute is already underway, there are proven steps that help resolve matters calmly, proportionately, and with the best chance of reaching an agreement without court.
This article explains both sides of that equation: how to prevent boundary disputes and how to resolve them when they arise.
Part 1: Preventing boundary disputes
1) Understand the core principle: boundary line vs boundary feature
The most common cause of disputes is a misunderstanding.
- The boundary line is the legal dividing line of ownership.
- A boundary feature is what you see (fence, wall, hedge, ditch, path edge).
Fences can drift over time, hedges can creep, and walls can be rebuilt slightly offset. If you treat a feature as the boundary without checking, you increase the risk of conflict.
Prevention starts with recognising that “the fence is the boundary” is not always true.
2) Check your documents before changing anything near a boundary
Before you:
- replace a fence or wall
- lay paving or a patio near the edge
- install decking, sleepers, or retaining walls
- build a garden room or extension close to the line
- change front boundaries for a driveway or parking
…review what you already have:
- Land Registry title plan and title register
- deed plans or transfer plans from your purchase
- any historic documents or older conveyance plans (often very useful)
Why this matters: title plans can show general boundaries and may not define a precise fence line. The earlier you check, the more options you have if something looks unclear.
3) Record the existing boundary before it is altered
The single biggest trigger for disputes is fence replacement where the old line isn’t recorded.
Before any boundary feature is removed or replaced:
- take dated photos along the full length
- photograph reference points (house corners, garage walls, brick piers)
- measure key distances to fixed points
- keep notes of what is being replaced and why
- keep proof of contractor instructions and any neighbour communications
This “snapshot” can prevent years of argument later.
4) Speak to your neighbour early (and keep the tone calm)
Most preventable disputes happen because someone starts work first and explains later. Even a brief conversation can reduce suspicion:
- explain what you’re planning and why
- confirm whether it’s a like-for-like replacement
- show a sketch or photo if helpful
- invite concerns early rather than after work starts
If your neighbour thinks the line is wrong, it’s far easier to address before anything is moved.
5) Confirm agreements in writing
If you agree:
- a fence position
- responsibility for repairs
- cost sharing
- access for contractors
- hedge maintenance arrangements
…follow up with a simple email confirming:
- what was agreed
- approximate location of the line
- who will do what and when
This doesn’t have to be formal, but it protects both parties from “we never agreed that” later.
6) Be careful with “tidying” strips and informal land swaps
Informal arrangements often work—until someone sells, extends, or relationships change. If the boundary feature is moved “for convenience”, it can later be interpreted as a change in ownership.
If you want a long-term change, seek professional advice early so it can be documented properly.
7) Set out building works properly (don’t let contractors guess)
If you’re building close to a boundary:
- ensure accurate existing measurements are taken
- set out from fixed points (not from fences that might be wrong)
- confirm line positions before excavation
- photograph set-out and keep notes
Many expensive disputes begin with “the builder assumed the fence was right”.
Part 2: Resolving a boundary dispute
8) The first rule: don’t escalate and don’t destroy evidence
If a dispute starts:
- avoid emotional language (“theft”, “trespass”)
- don’t move the fence again
- don’t remove posts, footings, or markers
- take dated photos immediately
- keep copies of all communications
Boundary disputes become much harder when physical evidence is repeatedly altered.
9) Clarify the specific claim
Boundary disputes often become messy because the dispute isn’t defined. Ask:
- which section of boundary is disputed? (front/side/rear)
- what is the neighbour claiming is wrong? (fence line, wall, paving, access strip)
- how far do they believe the line differs?
- what evidence are they relying on? (title plan, older plan, “always been that way”)
This turns a vague complaint into a problem you can actually address.
10) Gather your evidence and create a “boundary file”
A boundary file should include:
- title plan and title register
- deed/transfer plans and older documents
- dated photos and videos
- a timeline of key changes
- copies of neighbour correspondence
- any contractor plans or quotes
This makes professional advice faster and helps you stay consistent.
11) Use a boundary surveyor to bring objectivity
A boundary surveyor can:
- review title plans and deed plans (including older conveyances)
- inspect physical evidence on site
- carry out a measured survey where needed
- produce plans and a report explaining the likely boundary position
- support discussions by shifting focus from opinion to evidence
Surveyor involvement is often the step that prevents a dispute becoming solicitor-led.
Timing matters: the earlier a survey is done, the more physical evidence can be preserved and the easier it is to resolve.
12) Aim for a proportionate, practical resolution
Not every boundary dispute needs a “winner”. Many resolve through pragmatic outcomes such as:
Option A: Agreement on a line for fencing and maintenance
Even where evidence is mixed, parties may agree a line to avoid ongoing conflict.
Option B: Leave things as-is, correct at next replacement
Useful where the difference is small and moving things now would cause disruption.
Option C: Documented agreements where certainty matters
If sales, finance, or development is involved, it may be sensible to formalise an agreement with legal advice.
Option D: Separate ownership from access/use
Some disputes are really about use of a passage or driveway rather than ownership. Treating these separately often helps.
A boundary survey helps both parties understand risk and choose a sensible option.
13) Know when to bring in a solicitor
A solicitor should be considered when:
- legal threats are made
- an injunction is discussed
- building works are ongoing/imminent
- the dispute affects a sale or purchase
- a formal agreement is needed for certainty going forward
The most effective combination is often:
- surveyor evidence (technical clarity)
- solicitor structure (formal documentation and legal route)
14) Dispute resolution mindset: what actually works
Boundary disputes resolve faster when you:
- stay calm and factual
- prioritise evidence over assertion
- act early before works progress
- keep solutions proportionate to the real value at stake
- document agreements clearly
Trying to “win at all costs” usually costs more than the land is worth.
The takeaway
Boundary disputes are best prevented through early checks, good record-keeping, and clear neighbour communication—especially before fence replacement or building works near a boundary. If a dispute arises, preserve evidence, clarify the claim, gather documents, and involve a boundary surveyor early to convert opinion into clarity. With the right approach, many disputes can be resolved practically and without court.
Need help preventing or resolving a boundary dispute?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us the property location, what has happened (fence moved, planned works, sale/purchase delay, access issue), and whether anything is time-sensitive. If you can share your title plan and a few photos of the disputed area, we’ll advise the best next step and how a boundary survey can help you move forward with confidence.